The pollution currently blanketing northern China is an extraordinary and unnatural phenomenon.

The air quality is so bad it's comparable to living near a forest fire. The scale of the consequences to human health are only beginning to be understood. 

The unrelenting smog that is still shrouding central and northern China requires the nation to take more consistent and down-to-earth measures to combat the problem.

We do have some experience of air pollution control, since it has lasted for many years, although not as serious as it is today. For example, the adoption of some expedient measures, such as the temporary closure and relocation of factories, could offer some relief.